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The NAFEM Show trade show booth rentals and custom exhibits

Oct 7, 2022

The NAFEM Show

Next February, commercial foodservice professionals and leading E&S will meet up at The NAFEM Show 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The only show dedicated to foodservice equipment and supplies, it’ll see leading exhibitors gathering on the show floor to showcase their latest products, as well as unique educational opportunities for attendees and exhibitors alike. 

Networking is key in any business, and this is the place to rub elbows, exchange ideas, and gather business cards from those in the know about commercial foodservice and E&S solutions. This is the world’s leading foodservice E&S showcase. Anyone who’s anyone in the foodservice equipment and supplies business will be there—will you?

If the answer is yes, then there are a few things you’ll need to know so that you can take full advantage of this packed event.  

Looking for a local Orlando tradeshow booth builder for the upcoming The NAFEM Show 2023 show? Contact Exhibit Experience for your complimentary consultation.

The NAFEM Show 2023 Show Details

Dates: February 1-3, 2023

Location: Orange County Convention Center

Tradeshow hours:
Thursday, February 2—9am-5pm
Friday, February 3—9am-3pm

Accommodations & Travel

The NAFEM show organizers have partnered with ONPEAK Hotels to secure discounted rates at a variety of Orlando hotels. Visit their website to learn more.

Attendee Profile

According to this infographic prepared by The NAFEM Show 2023, the show sees over 22,000 attendees every year. Since this is a trade-only event, attendees are made up of commercial marine industry members. 

Who exactly are these attendees? They are people who specify and purchase foodservice equipment and supplies for:

  • Restaurants
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Business & Industry
  • Entertainment & Sports
  • Travel
  • Corrections
  • Retail
  • Government

The top three key attendees are operators, dealers and distributors, and MAS and KES design consultants. While the 500 exhibitors are the leading manufacturers of foodservice prep, cooking, storage, table service and cleaning. 

What does this mean for your brand?

Exhibiting at The NAFEM 2022 is effective. Exhibitors can interact with customers, connect with valuable leads, showcase their latest products or services, and grow their brand. If your product or service fits into one of the show’s approved categories, your brand is perfect for the show floor.

All you need is an exhibit booth that makes an impact.

Exhibiting at The NAFEM Show 2023

Standing out from the crowd might seem impossible but trust us: we know a few things about building the best exhibit booth! 

Here are a few things you can do to make sure your booth draws a crowd:

  • Pick the focal point, and product/service.
    1. Which of your products best fit attendees needs?
    2. Do you have any new products, services or technologies that offer solutions to the attendee? 
    3. How can you let attendees experience these new things?
    4. Design a marketing/content campaign around what’s relevant and what’s new. 
  2. Choose the right booth size for your message.
    1. 10’ x 10’: ideal for a single product or service, or a small line of products. You have room for multiple display cases, 3D graphic wall, custom light display and flooring, and one seating configuration.
    2. 10 x 20: good solution for those showing a variety of products in the booth. It has 20 feet of graphic back wall, multiple seating configurations for demonstrations and education, in addition to custom light and flooring that come standard with our exhibit rentals.
    3. 20 x 20: Exhibit Experience usually recommends 20’ x 20’ booths, as these offer demonstration space, enclosures for private viewing, and dozens of other configuration options. However, we understand that many companies have limited budgets this year.
  3. Decide if you will rent or DIY your booth.
    1. Experience is key when it comes to standing out at large-scale tradeshows. 
    2. Local tradeshow exhibit rentals for the upcoming NAFEM Show 2023 will help you go that extra mile. 
  4. Design a memorable in-booth experience. 
    1. No matter the size, your booth should tell a seamless brand story. 
    2. Pro Tip: include an interactive experience for your booth visitors.
  5. Build and train the right team. 
    1. Having the right booth staff is just as important as having the right design. 
    2. Include a mix of people from sales, technical, customer service and management.
  6. Ditch the hard sell. 
    1. Instead of trying to get sales, focus instead on how your products or services solve a problem.
  7. Create an itinerary with the networking and social events, educational sessions, and other activities you want to attend. This way you and your team will know when you’ll be at the booth. 
  8. Follow up. Use the travel time home to send follow-up emails to thank visitors for their time and remind them about your company. 

Curious about how much booths cost? Read our Costs of Exhibiting After 2021 article. You can also play around with The NAFEM Show 2023’s budget calculator. 

Need a reliable booth builder for The NAFEM Show 2023? 

Exhibit Experience is the preferred trade show booth builder for the upcoming NAFEM Show 2023 show. We produce state-of-the-art exhibits within a variety of budgets. From custom to pre-certified exhibits, we’ll have the booth you need to show your company the right way. We will:

  • Design and build your exhibit to the right specs
  • Provide 24-hour support throughout the trade show.
  • Set up and take down your booth

The Exhibit Experience team has over two decades of experience delivering custom exhibits and custom modular exhibits that see instant results. Our exhibit management services are all-inclusive, from design to delivery. We will deliver your exhibit on time, on budget, and following all safety protocols.

If you are looking for a The NAFEM Show 2023 trade show booth builder, look no further than Exhibit Experience! Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

Dimensional Strategy: Selecting the Optimal Booth Size

Exhibit Experience offers customized solutions across a comprehensive range of booth dimensions to align with your specific marketing objectives, budgetary parameters, and venue requirements:

  • 10′ × 10′ (100 sq ft): Entry-level presence with focused messaging
  • 10′ × 20′ (200 sq ft): Enhanced linear exposure with expanded demonstration capabilities
  • 20′ × 20′ (400 sq ft): Premium presence with significant impact potential in peninsula or island configurations
  • 20′ × 30′ (600 sq ft): Extended engagement space allowing for multiple activity zones
  • 30′ × 30′ (900 sq ft): Substantial presence enabling comprehensive brand storytelling
  • 30′ × 40′ (1,200 sq ft): Commanding footprint supporting complex multi-functional exhibits

Each dimensional increment represents not simply additional square footage, but expanded strategic possibilities for engagement, demonstration, and differentiation within the competitive exhibition landscape.

Navigating Regulatory Parameters: Essential Compliance Guidelines

Successful exhibition strategy requires not only creative vision but meticulous adherence to industry regulations and venue-specific requirements. The following regulatory considerations represent critical compliance factors for all exhibitors:

1. Vertical Space Utilization & Height Restrictions

Linear/Inline Booth Regulations:

  • Maximum 8′ (2.5m) height allowance at back wall
  • Graduated height restrictions approaching the aisle
  • 4′ (1.2m) height limitation within 5′ (1.5m) of aisle frontage
  • Strict enforcement to prevent sight line obstruction

Perimeter Booth Regulations:

  • Enhanced rear wall height allowance up to 12′ (3.7m)
  • Maintained 4′ (1.2m) height limitation within 5′ (1.5m) of aisle
  • Specific venue guidelines may apply to projection heights

Peninsula Booth Regulations:

  • Height allowances typically between 16′-20′ (4.9m-6.1m)
  • Potential restrictions within 5′ (1.5m) of adjoining exhibits
  • Back wall finishing requirements when visible to neighboring exhibits
  • Prohibition of competitor-facing logos on reverse surfaces

Split Island Booth Regulations:

  • Height allowances comparable to peninsula booths (typically 16′-20′)
  • Shared back wall must be finished on both sides with neutral coloration
  • Branding must not intrude onto neighboring exhibitor’s space
  • Typically requires coordinated approval of structural elements along shared boundary
  • Specialized rules may govern sound projection toward the shared boundary

Island Booth Regulations:

  • Maximum height utilization (typically 16′-20′ depending on venue)
  • Ability to incorporate suspended elements with proper approvals
  • Rigorous engineering certification requirements for multi-level structures
  • Line-of-sight considerations for suspended signage

2. ADA Compliance Requirements: Creating Accessible Exhibits

The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes non-negotiable standards for exhibit accessibility:

  • Universal Experience Mandate: Exhibits must provide substantially equivalent experiences to all attendees regardless of physical ability
  • Pathway Requirements: Minimum 36″ (91cm) clear path throughout exhibit areas
  • Elevation Transitions: Any raised platform exceeding ½” requires ADA-compliant ramping with specific slope ratios (1:12 maximum)
  • Interactive Element Placement: Engagement features must be accessible from wheelchair height (maximum 48″ reach range)
  • Audiovisual Considerations: Presentations should incorporate captioning when feasible
  • Service Animal Accommodation: Sufficient clearance for service animals throughout exhibit spaces

Non-compliance with ADA requirements carries significant consequences, including potential removal from the event, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Professional exhibit partners provide invaluable guidance in designing fully compliant spaces that elegantly accommodate all visitors.

3. Spatial Boundary Enforcement

Exhibit footprints are contractually defined with zero tolerance for encroachment:

  • All exhibit elements including product displays, literature racks, and furniture must remain completely within the defined booth space
  • Projection of images, lighting effects, or sound beyond booth boundaries is strictly prohibited
  • Suspended elements must be positioned within the vertical projection of the booth footprint
  • Unauthorized marketing activities outside designated booth space (“guerrilla marketing”) may result in penalty fees or expulsion

4. Sight Line Preservation Protocol

Exhibition environments function through carefully calibrated visual accessibility:

  • Structures exceeding 4′ (1.2m) in height are prohibited within the front 5′ (1.5m) of standard and perimeter booths
  • Peninsula exhibits must consider neighbor visibility when positioning tall elements
  • Transparent or semi-transparent materials are recommended for necessary partitions in high-traffic visibility zones
  • Interactive displays must be positioned to prevent aisle congestion

5. Illumination & Electrical Safety Standards

Lighting design must balance impact with consideration for the overall exhibition environment:

  • Directional lighting must be focused inward toward the exhibitor’s own space
  • Strobe effects, flashing sequences, and moving lights typically require special permission
  • Lighting intensity must avoid creating uncomfortable glare for attendees or neighboring exhibitors
  • All electrical connections must comply with local building codes and certification requirements
  • Cable management must eliminate tripping hazards through appropriate concealment or floor covering
  • Power load calculations must be submitted in advance for verification against venue capacity

6. Intellectual Property & Audio Licensing Requirements

Content presentation within exhibits carries specific legal obligations:

  • Music, video content, and other copyrighted materials require appropriate licensing documentation
  • Performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) may actively monitor compliance at major events
  • Volume levels for audio content are subject to specific decibel limitations
  • Scheduled presentations must adhere to show management guidelines regarding frequency and duration
  • Alternative solutions include royalty-free music libraries and blanket license arrangements available through show management

Location-Specific Compliance: Navigating Regional Requirements

Major exhibition venues maintain distinct regulatory frameworks that may supplement or modify industry standards:

  • Las Vegas Convention Center: Stringent fire safety requirements with specific material certification needs and unique rules for multi-level structures
  • Orange County Convention Center (Orlando): Specialized electrical codes and detailed rigging regulations for suspended elements
  • McCormick Place (Chicago): Union labor requirements and specific loading dock procedures that impact installation timelines
  • Javits Center (New York): Enhanced security protocols and specific weight-bearing limitations for exhibit components
  • International Venues: Substantially different regulatory approaches requiring specialized knowledge of local standards and certification requirements

Professional exhibit partners with experience across multiple jurisdictions provide invaluable guidance in navigating these complex and constantly evolving regulatory landscapes.

Exhibit Experience: Your Partner in Exhibition Excellence

Creating impactful, compliant trade show environments requires specialized expertise that transcends standard marketing capabilities. Exhibit Experience delivers turnkey solutions characterized by:

Comprehensive Design Integration Our design process incorporates regulatory compliance from conceptual development through final execution, eliminating costly modifications and ensuring seamless approval processes.

In-House Production Capabilities Vertical integration of manufacturing and graphic production provides unparalleled quality control while accommodating compressed timelines:

  • Direct oversight of fabrication processes
  • Elimination of third-party communication inefficiencies
  • Rapid response capability for last-minute adjustments
  • Proprietary quality control protocols exceeding industry standards

Dedicated Installation Teams Unlike providers relying on temporary labor, our specialized installation professionals:

  • Maintain intimate familiarity with our proprietary systems
  • Execute with precision honed through repeated collaboration
  • Provide continuity from project to project
  • Deliver exceptional problem-solving capabilities on-site

Strategic Geographical Positioning Our operational presence in primary exhibition hubs delivers substantial logistical advantages:

  • Reduced shipping costs and transit risks
  • Enhanced scheduling flexibility
  • Rapid response capability for unexpected challenges
  • Established relationships with venue management teams

Conclusion: Elevating Your Exhibition Strategy

Strategic trade show participation represents one of the most significant marketing investments many organizations make annually. Maximizing the return on this investment demands not just creative excellence, but sophisticated understanding of the technical, regulatory, and logistical factors that determine success.

By partnering with Exhibit Experience, you gain access to specialized expertise that transforms these complex considerations into seamless execution—allowing your team to focus on what matters most: meaningful engagement with your target audience and the advancement of your strategic objectives.

Ready to elevate your exhibition strategy? Contact Exhibit Experience today for a consultative assessment of your trade show program and discover how our integrated approach can enhance your brand presence while optimizing your marketing investment.

Schedule a Call

For more information on our trade show booths and services give us a call at (888) 475-3512 or fill out the form below.

 

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